A registered nurse in the United States earns a median salary of $93,600 per year. That is roughly ₦7.8 million every single month at current exchange rates.
Let that number sit with you for a moment.
Based on the latest data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, that $93,600 median puts nursing among the best paid professions accessible to Nigerian healthcare workers without a medical degree. And in high paying states like California, nurses earn an average of $148,000 per year, which is over ₦12.3 million monthly.
Meanwhile, a registered nurse in Nigeria earns between ₦80,000 and ₦250,000 per month. Do the maths. The same qualification, the same training, and a 30x salary difference just by changing your geography.
I have helped dozens of Nigerian nurses begin this journey through NG Career over the past few years. Some are now working in hospitals in Texas, New York, and Maryland. Others are still in the process, waiting for visa appointments or preparing for the NCLEX exam. The process is real. It works. But it is not quick, and it is not simple.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to get nursing jobs in USA with visa sponsorship as a Nigerian, from start to finish. Every fee is converted to Naira. Every step is explained. Every common mistake is flagged.
Quick Overview: What You Need to Know
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa type | EB-3 immigrant visa (leads to Green Card) |
| Salary range | $71,000 to $148,000 per year (₦5.9M to ₦12.3M/month) |
| National median salary | $93,600/year (₦7.8M/month) |
| Key exams | NCLEX-RN, English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE) |
| Key certification | CGFNS VisaScreen Certificate |
| Processing time | 1.5 to 3+ years (total, from start to arrival) |
| Who pays for visa? | Employer (in most sponsorship programmes) |
| Can family come? | Yes (spouse and children under 21) |
| Path to permanent residence? | Yes (EB-3 leads directly to Green Card) |
All Naira conversions use an approximate rate of ₦1,550 per $1 USD as of March 2026. Rates fluctuate daily.
Why American Hospitals Are Desperate for Nigerian Nurses
This is not exaggeration. The United States is facing a nursing crisis that has been building for over a decade, and it is only getting worse.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 189,000 openings for registered nurses are projected each year through 2034. The BLS projects that registered nurse employment will grow 5% between 2024 and 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
But here is the part that makes this opportunity real for Nigerians. The supply side is collapsing. Data from the National Nursing Workforce Study shows that over 50% of registered nurses in America are aged 50 or older. More than 1 million nurses are projected to retire by 2030. And nursing schools cannot keep up. Over 65,000 qualified applicants were turned away from nursing programmes in a single year because schools did not have enough faculty or classroom space.
The result? American hospitals are actively recruiting international nurses, and Nigerian trained nurses with a BSN are exactly the profile they are looking for.
I once spoke with a nurse recruiter from a hospital system in New Jersey who told me, point blank, “Nigerian nurses are some of the most resilient and well trained professionals we hire. We need more.” She was not being polite. She was being practical. Her hospital had 47 open nursing positions and could not fill them domestically.
How Much Nigerian Nurses Actually Earn in the USA
Let me break this down by state, because where you work matters enormously.
According to the BLS 2024 salary data (the most recent available), here are the average annual salaries for registered nurses in the highest paying states:
| State | Average Annual Salary | Monthly in Naira (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| California | $148,000 | ₦19.1M |
| Hawaii | $117,000 | ₦15.1M |
| Oregon | $115,000 | ₦14.8M |
| Washington | $110,000 | ₦14.2M |
| Massachusetts | $108,000 | ₦13.9M |
| New York | $107,000 | ₦13.8M |
| New Jersey | $102,000 | ₦13.1M |
| Connecticut | $100,000 | ₦12.9M |
Even in lower paying states like Alabama, Mississippi, or South Dakota, registered nurses still earn between $60,000 and $72,000 per year, which is ₦5M to ₦6M monthly. That is still dramatically more than what nurses earn in Nigeria.
And these are base salary figures. Many hospitals offer additional compensation through sign-on bonuses (ranging from $5,000 to $20,000), night shift differentials, overtime pay, and relocation allowances. Some sponsoring employers also cover your immigration legal fees and health insurance premiums.
Salary by Nursing Specialty
Your specialty significantly impacts your earning potential. Data from multiple salary surveys shows:
| Specialty | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $217,000 to $231,000 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $126,000 |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | $114,000 |
| Nurse Midwife | $120,000 |
| ICU/Critical Care Nurse | $95,000 to $105,000 |
| Emergency Room Nurse | $85,000 to $100,000 |
| Medical-Surgical Nurse | $75,000 to $90,000 |
| Long-Term Care Nurse | $70,000 to $85,000 |
If you are considering whether to pursue additional specialization before or after moving to the USA, the numbers speak for themselves. A Nurse Practitioner or CRNA can earn double or triple what a general RN makes.
If you are exploring nursing opportunities in other countries as well, see our guides on how to work as a nurse in the UK from Nigeria and how to work as a nurse in Canada.
The EB-3 Visa: Your Path to a Green Card
The EB-3 immigrant visa is the primary pathway for Nigerian nurses seeking nursing jobs in USA with visa sponsorship. And here is what makes it special: it leads directly to permanent residence. Not a temporary work permit. A Green Card.
What the EB-3 Is
According to USCIS guidelines, the EB-3 is an employment-based immigrant visa for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers. Registered nurses fall under the “Skilled Worker” category because the role requires at least two years of training or experience.
There is also a critical advantage for nurses that most people do not know about. According to immigration law firm Grandison USA, registered nurses are classified as Schedule A occupations by the U.S. Department of Labor. This means employers sponsoring nurses do not need to go through the standard PERM labor certification recruitment process. The government already acknowledges that there are not enough American nurses to fill the positions. This significantly speeds up the process compared to other EB-3 occupations.
What the EB-3 Covers
- You get a Green Card (permanent residence) upon approval
- Your spouse can accompany you and receive work authorization
- Your unmarried children under 21 can also immigrate with you
- You can eventually apply for US citizenship after holding your Green Card for 5 years
- You are not tied to one employer forever. After your Green Card is approved, you can work for any hospital in any state
Processing Time
Based on information from multiple immigration resources, EB-3 visa processing for nurses typically takes 18 months to 3+ years depending on your priority date and the movement of the monthly Visa Bulletin published by the U.S. Department of State.
Nigerian applicants currently benefit from the fact that Nigeria does not face the severe visa backlogs that countries like India, the Philippines, and China experience. This means your waiting time is generally shorter.
What About the H-1B Visa?
I get this question a lot. The short answer: the H-1B is usually not the right visa for bedside nurses. According to VisaNation immigration attorneys, most registered nurse positions do not qualify for H-1B because the role does not universally require a bachelor’s degree as a minimum nationwide. Some advanced practice nursing roles (Nurse Practitioners, for example) may qualify, but for standard RN positions, the EB-3 is the stronger and more reliable path.
The 5 Requirements Every Nigerian Nurse Must Meet
Let me be direct about what you need. There are no shortcuts. Each of these requirements is mandatory.
1. A Nursing Degree (BSN Strongly Preferred)
Most American employers and state boards of nursing require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for international nurses. If you have an RN diploma or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), you may still qualify in some states, but a BSN dramatically expands your options.
If you completed your nursing programme in Nigeria at a recognized institution like the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, or any NUC accredited university, your degree will generally be accepted after credential evaluation. However, diploma programmes from schools of nursing affiliated with teaching hospitals may face additional scrutiny during the CGFNS evaluation process.
2. Active Nigerian Nursing License (Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria)
You must hold a current, unrestricted nursing license from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). If your license has lapsed or has any restrictions, renew it before starting the process. The CGFNS will verify your license directly with the NMCN, and any issues will delay your application by months.
3. NCLEX-RN Examination (Pass Required)
The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is the licensing exam you must pass to practice nursing in the United States. There is no way around it.
According to the official NCLEX website, the exam registration fee is $200 USD (approximately ₦310,000). International candidates testing outside the USA pay an additional $150 USD scheduling fee, bringing the total to $350 USD (approximately ₦542,500).
The exam is available at Pearson VUE testing centres. As of 2026, there is no Pearson VUE centre in Nigeria for the NCLEX, so most Nigerian nurses travel to the UK, Ghana, or India to take the exam.
Key NCLEX details:
- The exam uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), meaning the difficulty adjusts based on your answers
- You will answer between 85 and 150 questions
- You have 5 hours to complete the exam
- Pass rates for internationally educated nurses are approximately 45 to 55%, significantly lower than the 85%+ pass rate for US-educated nurses
- You can retake the exam after 45 days, up to 8 times per year
My honest advice: Do not underestimate the NCLEX. I have seen Nigerian nurses with excellent clinical experience fail on their first attempt because they did not prepare specifically for the American testing format. Invest in a quality NCLEX prep course. Saunders, UWorld, and Kaplan are the most recommended. Budget $100 to $500 for prep materials on top of the exam fee.
4. English Language Proficiency Test
You need to pass an approved English test as part of the VisaScreen certification process. Accepted tests include:
- IELTS Academic (minimum overall 6.5 with no band below 6.0 for most purposes, but VisaScreen has specific scoring requirements by section)
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE Academic (as of December 2024, CGFNS requires a Speaking score of 50 on PTE, with an overall score of 55 and no section below 50)
- OET (Occupational English Test) has become popular among nurses because it tests medical English specifically
According to the CGFNS International website, nurses who completed their education in the UK, Australia, Canada (except Quebec), New Zealand, Ireland, or the USA may be exempt from the English test requirement. Since Nigerian nursing programmes are taught in English, some applicants have successfully argued for exemption, but this is not guaranteed and depends on whether your programme meets CGFNS’s specific criteria for English-medium instruction.
To be safe, prepare for and take the English test. Our guides on IELTS vs TOEFL for Nigerians and IELTS and TOEFL costs can help you choose the right exam.
5. CGFNS VisaScreen Certificate
This is the document that ties everything together. The VisaScreen: Visa Credentials Assessment is a mandatory federal screening required for all foreign healthcare workers (except physicians) seeking an occupational visa to work in the United States.
According to the official CGFNS website, the VisaScreen assesses:
- Your nursing education (compared against US standards)
- Your professional nursing licenses (current and past, from all countries)
- Your English language proficiency
- Proof that you have passed either the NCLEX-RN or the CGFNS Qualifying Exam
The VisaScreen Certificate is valid for 5 years and must be included with every visa petition filed on your behalf. Without it, your EB-3 petition cannot proceed.
VisaScreen costs:
- Initial application fee: approximately $540 USD (₦837,000)
- Expedited review (optional): additional fee
- The entire process takes 6 months to over a year from application to certificate issuance
Step by Step: How to Get a Nursing Job in the USA from Nigeria
Here is the exact sequence I recommend based on what I have seen work for Nigerian nurses.
Step 1: Verify Your Nursing Credentials (Month 1 to 2)
Ensure your Nigerian nursing degree and license are current and in order. Gather your academic transcripts, degree certificates, and license documentation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
Cost: ₦15,000 to ₦50,000 for transcript and verification fees from Nigerian institutions.
Nigeria-specific tip: Start this first because Nigerian institutions are notoriously slow with document processing. The NMCN in particular can take weeks to respond to verification requests from CGFNS. Begin early and follow up persistently.
Step 2: Begin the CGFNS VisaScreen Application (Month 2 to 3)
Open an account on the CGFNS Connect portal and start your VisaScreen application. Submit your academic records, license verification, and personal documents. CGFNS will contact your nursing school and the NMCN directly to verify your credentials.
Cost: Approximately $540 USD (₦837,000) for the initial application.
Step 3: Take Your English Language Test (Month 3 to 4)
If you are not exempt, take the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or OET. Have your scores sent directly to CGFNS.
Cost: ₦100,000 to ₦150,000 depending on the test.
Step 4: Prepare for and Pass the NCLEX-RN (Month 4 to 9)
This is the longest preparation phase. Most Nigerian nurses need 3 to 6 months of focused study. You will need to apply to a US State Board of Nursing for eligibility to sit for the exam (some states require the CGFNS Certification Programme or a CES Professional Report first; others accept VisaScreen alone).
Once you receive your Authorization to Test (ATT), book your exam at a Pearson VUE centre.
Cost:
- NCLEX registration: $200 USD (₦310,000)
- International scheduling fee: $150 USD (₦232,500)
- State Board application fee: $75 to $375 USD (₦116K to ₦581K)
- NCLEX prep materials: $100 to $500 USD (₦155K to ₦775K)
- Travel to testing centre (if going abroad): ₦300,000 to ₦800,000
Step 5: Find an Employer with Visa Sponsorship (Month 6 to 12)
While preparing for or after passing the NCLEX, begin connecting with US healthcare employers and recruitment agencies that offer EB-3 visa sponsorship for international nurses.
Legitimate agencies include Health Carousel International (through their PassportUSA programme), O’Grady Peyton International, Avant Healthcare Professionals, and Medliant International Healthcare Staffing. Some of these agencies cover immigration legal fees and relocation costs as part of their sponsorship packages.
Critical warning: This is where Nigerian nurses get scammed the most. Any agency that asks you for large upfront payments to “secure” a US nursing job is a red flag. Legitimate recruitment agencies earn their fees from the employer, not from you. Read our guide on how to spot fake recruitment agencies in Nigeria before engaging with any recruiter.
Step 6: Employer Files EB-3 Petition (Month 12 to 18)
Once a US hospital agrees to sponsor you, they file Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) with USCIS on your behalf. Since nurses are Schedule A workers, the employer skips the standard PERM labour certification process, which saves significant time.
Cost: Paid by employer in most cases.
Step 7: Wait for Visa Availability and Attend Interview (Month 18 to 36)
After I-140 approval, you wait for your priority date to become current based on the monthly Visa Bulletin. Once current, you attend a visa interview at the US Embassy in Lagos.
You will need:
- Valid Nigerian passport
- Medical examination from an approved physician
- Police clearance certificate
- VisaScreen Certificate
- Job offer letter and supporting immigration documents
Cost:
- Immigrant visa application fee: $325 USD (₦503,750)
- Medical examination: approximately $300 to $500 USD (₦465K to ₦775K)
- Police clearance: ₦5,000 to ₦10,000
Step 8: Relocate to the USA and Begin Working (Month 24 to 36+)
Once your visa is approved, you relocate to the United States. Many sponsoring employers assist with temporary housing, airport pickup, orientation programmes, and travel insurance for your initial transition. Your health insurance coverage typically begins on your first day of employment or shortly after.
Complete Cost Breakdown for Nigerian Nurses
| Expense | Cost (USD) | Cost (₦ approx.) | Who Pays? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CGFNS VisaScreen application | $540 | ₦837,000 | You |
| NCLEX-RN exam (with international fee) | $350 | ₦542,500 | You |
| State Board application | $75 to $375 | ₦116K to ₦581K | You |
| English test (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE) | $195 to $260 | ₦302K to ₦403K | You |
| NCLEX prep materials | $100 to $500 | ₦155K to ₦775K | You |
| Travel for NCLEX (if abroad) | $400 to $800 | ₦620K to ₦1.24M | You |
| Immigration filing (I-140) | $700+ | ₦1.08M+ | Usually employer |
| Immigration legal fees | $3,000 to $10,000 | ₦4.65M to ₦15.5M | Usually employer |
| Immigrant visa fee | $325 | ₦503,750 | You |
| Medical exam | $300 to $500 | ₦465K to ₦775K | You |
| Flight to USA | $800 to $1,500 | ₦1.24M to ₦2.32M | Sometimes employer |
| TOTAL (your out-of-pocket) | $2,285 to $4,410 | ₦3.5M to ₦6.8M |
That ₦3.5 million to ₦6.8 million investment gets you a career earning ₦7.8 million per month or more. The return on investment is extraordinary.
And remember: many legitimate sponsoring agencies reimburse some of these costs. Health Carousel, for example, covers immigration filing fees. Medliant has stated they reimburse the cost of the CGFNS VisaScreen when you begin working in the US. Always ask about reimbursement policies before signing any agreement.
States Where Nigerian Nurses Are Most in Demand
Not all states have equal demand for international nurses. Based on current nursing shortage data and employer recruitment patterns, these states offer the strongest opportunities:
Texas: The second largest state by population faces a persistent nursing shortage, particularly in rural areas and long-term care facilities. Texas is also one of the friendlier states for international nursing licensure, often requiring only the CES report (rather than the full CGFNS Certification Programme).
New York: Home to massive hospital systems like NYU Langone, Mount Sinai, and NewYork-Presbyterian, the state consistently recruits foreign nurses. Average salary: $107,000 per year.
New Jersey: High demand, high salary, and proximity to New York City. Many Nigerian nurses settle here because of the established Nigerian community.
California: The highest paying state at $148,000 average, but also the most expensive to live in and one of the strictest for international licensure requirements.
Florida: Growing elderly population drives consistent demand for nurses, especially in geriatric and long-term care settings.
Illinois, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia: All face projected shortages through 2030 and beyond, and all have hospital systems that actively recruit internationally.
Common Mistakes Nigerian Nurses Make
Paying Agents for “Guaranteed” US Nursing Jobs
I cannot say this loud enough. No agent in Lagos or Abuja can guarantee you a nursing job in the United States. The process requires passing the NCLEX, obtaining a VisaScreen Certificate, and securing a legitimate employer sponsor. Anyone who tells you they can skip these steps is lying.
I have personally spoken to Nigerian nurses who paid ₦2 million to ₦5 million to agents who promised “direct placement” in US hospitals. The agents disappeared. The nurses lost their money. Do not let this be you.
Use only verified recruitment agencies. Check their track record. Verify they are members of the Alliance for Ethical International Recruitment Practices. And always remember: legitimate agencies charge the employer, not you.
For more on protecting yourself, read our guide on how to spot fake recruitment agencies in Nigeria.
Applying to the Wrong State Board
Each US state has its own Board of Nursing with different requirements for international nurses. Some states require the full CGFNS Certification Programme. Others accept just the CES Professional Report. Applying to the wrong state board wastes months and money.
Before applying, verify the exact requirements for your target state on the NCSBN website. If you are unsure which state to target, New York, Texas, and Florida are generally considered the most accessible for internationally educated nurses.
Underestimating the NCLEX
The NCLEX is not like Nigerian nursing exams. It tests critical thinking and clinical judgment, not rote memorization. The pass rate for internationally educated nurses hovers around 45 to 55%, compared to 85%+ for US-educated nurses.
Do not rush to take it unprepared. Three months of serious, dedicated study using NCLEX-specific materials is the minimum. Six months is better if you are working full time.
Ignoring the VisaScreen Timeline
The VisaScreen process takes 6 months to over a year. Many Nigerian nurses focus entirely on the NCLEX and then discover they cannot proceed with immigration because their VisaScreen is still pending. Start your VisaScreen application at the same time as your NCLEX preparation. Run both processes in parallel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nurses earn in the USA per month?
Based on the latest BLS data, the median annual salary for registered nurses in the US is $93,600, which translates to approximately $7,800 per month or ₦12.1 million per month before taxes. After federal and state taxes (which vary by state), take-home pay for a nurse earning the median salary is approximately $5,500 to $6,200 per month (₦8.5M to ₦9.6M). Nurses in California can earn over $148,000 per year before taxes.
Can Nigerian nurses work in the USA without NCLEX?
No. The NCLEX-RN is a non-negotiable requirement for nursing licensure in every US state. Without passing the NCLEX, you cannot practice as a registered nurse, and no employer can sponsor your visa. There is no alternative exam that replaces the NCLEX for US nursing licensure.
How long does the entire process take from Nigeria?
From starting your CGFNS application to arriving in the USA, the entire process typically takes 2 to 3 years. This includes: credential evaluation (3 to 6 months), NCLEX preparation and exam (3 to 9 months), VisaScreen processing (6 to 12 months running parallel), employer matching and I-140 filing (3 to 6 months), and visa processing (6 to 18 months depending on Visa Bulletin movement).
Do I have to pay for my own visa sponsorship?
In most legitimate arrangements, the employer pays the immigration filing fees (I-140 petition, immigration lawyer costs, and PERM certification if applicable). You are responsible for your own NCLEX fees, English test fees, CGFNS application, medical exam, and travel documents. Some agencies also cover VisaScreen costs as a reimbursement after you begin working.
Can my family come with me to the USA?
Yes. Under the EB-3 visa, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for Green Cards as derivative beneficiaries. Your spouse will receive work authorization in the USA. Your children can attend American schools. This is one of the biggest advantages of the EB-3 over temporary work visas.
Is there an age limit for applying?
There is no official age limit for the EB-3 visa or for nursing licensure in the United States. I have helped nurses in their 40s successfully complete this process. That said, the earlier you start, the more working years you have to benefit from US nursing salaries and build toward permanent residence and eventual citizenship.
What about the US travel ban on Nigerians?
The 2025/2026 US visa restrictions primarily affect nonimmigrant visa categories. Employment-based immigrant visas like the EB-3 operate under a separate framework. However, the immigration environment is constantly shifting. Stay updated through our guide on the US travel ban and Nigerian applicants and our article on best countries to study and work abroad after the US visa ban.
Your Next Step Starts Today
The path from a Nigerian nursing licence to nursing jobs in USA with visa sponsorship is long, demanding, and requires real financial investment. I will not sugarcoat that. But the numbers do not lie. A career earning ₦7.8 million or more per month, with full health insurance, a pathway to permanent residence, and the ability to bring your family, that is a life-changing opportunity by any measure.
America needs nurses. Desperately. And that need is not going away. The BLS projects hundreds of thousands of nursing openings every year for the next decade. Over a million nurses are retiring. Hospitals are offering sign-on bonuses, relocation costs, and immigration sponsorship because they simply cannot find enough nurses domestically.
You already have the training. You already have the clinical experience. The only question is whether you are willing to invest the time and money to make the transition.
Start today. Verify your NMCN licence. Open your CGFNS account. Begin your NCLEX preparation. And if you are looking for other pathways abroad while the US process is underway, our guides on working as a nurse in Canada and the UK vs Australia comparison for Nigerian nurses give you excellent backup options.
Your skills are needed. The door is open. Walk through it.
Got questions about the US nursing pathway? Drop a comment below or message us directly. I read and respond to every single question.
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